Whisky Review/Tasting: Mannochmore 12 years Flora & Fauna

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Mannochmore Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Aged for 12 years, details on specific cask types or distillation processes are not provided.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 43%.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is implied to have a light, appealing appearance.
Bottle Design: Part of the Flora & Fauna series, featuring a label with a painting of the great spotted woodpecker, representing the fauna aspect.

Nose: Light fruity aroma, fresh, with some vanilla, described as well balanced, wonderful, and appetizing.
Palate: Intensely spicy, transitioning to licorice and old spice, with a cereal note. The whisky is noted for its significant cask influence, which is somewhat untypical for a Speyside whisky.
Finish: The aftertaste is quite dry, with a medium duration. The intensity of the spice is prominent when the whisky is on the tongue, fading into licorice before it dissipates.

Series Background: The Flora & Fauna series is produced by Diageo, which owns a majority of Scottish malt whisky distilleries. This series features whiskies from distilleries that may not have enough demand for regular single malt releases, making them available in smaller quantities.
Packaging History: There used to be cardboard boxes for the Flora & Fauna series, but these were discontinued about a decade ago.

Speyside Character: While Mannochmore is a Speyside distillery, known for producing fruity and sweeter whiskies, this particular expression showcases a significant cask influence and spiciness, diverging from the typical Speyside profile.

Horst Luening, the master taster, appreciates the balance and pleasant nose of the whisky, highlighting its untypical dryness and spiciness for a Speyside whisky. He contrasts it with the typical expectations of Speyside whiskies and notes its significant role in blends due to its intense spiciness.

Mannochmore 12 years old is part of the Flora & Fauna series by Diageo, featuring a label with the great spotted woodpecker.
It has a light fruity aroma with fresh and vanilla notes, and an intensely spicy palate with licorice and old spice.
The whisky is noted for its significant cask influence and departure from the typical Speyside profile.
It is priced in the mid-50s and has an ABV of 43%.
The Flora & Fauna series represents whiskies from distilleries with smaller demand, making unique expressions available to enthusiasts.

Speyside Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring a Speyside whisky with a twist, offering a more intense spiciness and cask influence than typically expected.
Blended Scotch Lovers: Individuals who appreciate the spiciness that contributes to complex blends might enjoy this single malt's robust character.
Collectors and Aficionados: Collectors looking for unique or less common expressions to add to their collection, especially those interested in the Flora & Fauna series.
Beginners: New whisky drinkers might find this expression an interesting introduction to the diversity within Speyside whiskies, though the spiciness might be challenging for some.